Jill Norman

My culinary career began with creating the Penguin Books cookery list. In the process I learned to appreciate and to cook foods from many parts of the world. I enjoy researching the background to food, and this led to a passion to discover the origins of spices and herbs and their uses. Wine tasting and tutoring are another enthusiasm.

Professions

Author, Broadcaster, Editor/editorial work, Food and travel writer, Food historian, Wine/drinks writer

Special subjects

British food. Spices: their history, origins and use (four books, Encyclopedia Britannica's website). Herbs: their history, growing and use (I have a large herb garden and have written four books and material for Encyclopedia Britannica's website). Food and travel (articles for various publications). Wine (articles primarily for Decanter magazine). World food, especially in Latin America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand

Regular work

freelance food and wine writer

Advisory boards / Awards

Trustee of the Jane Grigson Trust. Trustee of the Oxford Food Symposium. Literary trustee of the Elizabeth David Estate. Member of Gastromica Advisory Board. Patron of Oxford Gastronomica. Member of Circle of Wine Writers. Life story recorded for the National Life Story Collection at the British Library

Languages spoken

French, Spanish, German, Dutch